“My fear was getting involved by dancing in front of everyone. I thought everyone might laugh at me but I just decided to go for it. Afterwards, I felt really proud. Next time I am in a new situation, I am going to fight the fear again!”

The Hour of Code is a self-guided tutorial to learn how to code and discover the basics of computer science. The campaign to promote it kicked off from 7th December last week. Some girls in Y9 and Y10 took the challenge and worked towards completing fun tasks in the context of Frozen, Star Wars or Minecraft depending on their interests. Hopefully they enjoyed doing it and have talked about it at home so that you too can have a go! If they didn’t mention it, or you’re not in those classes, then read on to find out how you can get involved anyway.

So why do we need an hour of it?

Because it’s a useful skill to have, particularly for parents, teachers and those who work with families, who may be able to help the children they look after if they know a bit about it themselves.

As the people behind the week-long campaign explain, an hour is enough ‘to learn that computer science is fun and creative, that it is accessible at all ages, for all students, regardless of background.’

Fair enough. So, tell me what to do.

Log on to the website below to find out more. (It doesn’t have to be this week – you can do it any time.)

The Hour of Code is aimed at all ages, you don’t need any experience and you can choose from a variety of self-guided tutorials to have a go yourself, or guide children through it. Go on – it’s fun.

Welcome to Alfriston School’s very own ‘Fight the Fear’ Challenge 2015. This is a bid to prove to our students that fear does not have to get in the way of learning.

Where has this come from?
Studies have shown that one of the most significant factors that gets in the way of the success of students in their learning, and progress, is a fear of failure.

The theory
If students see teachers and staff prove that fear does not have to get in the way, then they too will be encouraged to take that risk in the classroom improving their learning experience and progress.

What are we asking students to do over the next year?
We are asking students to overcome their fears of failure or ‘getting it wrong’ by:
• putting their hand up to contribute an idea even if they are not sure it is correct
• trying out an idea verbally before writing (essential to rehearsing for writing technique)
• feeling confident to have a go at a piece of work even if it is not going to be right the first time
• taking feedback
• giving feedback
• understanding that getting it wrong is part of learning

What will Alfriston staff be doing?
To support our students, staff will be tackling their own fears. Photographs will be on display in the main corridor.

How can students/parents keep updated on the latest news and impact of the challenge?
All you need to do is follow our online updates on the school website. For example, check out the launch video- can you spot your teachers? We will also update you throughout the year with students’ testimonials as they face their fears inside the classroom and pictures/videos of staff as they face their fears outside the classroom.